You, a tyrannical ruler, roam the heavens; you cannot understand my joy.

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Han Shizhong realized that his knowledge of that young emperor was pitifully limited.

After everyone finished their brief introductions, Han Shizhong, suppressing the turmoil within him, asked the question that concerned him most at that moment: "You are all renowned heroes, I apologize for my lack of respect!"

"But...I wonder where His Majesty is at this moment?"

"Your Majesty personally braved arrows and stones, venturing deep into perilous territory. Were you...were you injured?"

Hong Qigong laughed and said, "Marshal Han, don't worry."

"Although His Majesty has fought a fierce battle and his internal energy has been greatly depleted, his body is fine. He has now returned to the South Bank Camp and found a quiet and safe place to practice his internal energy and recover his strength."

Upon hearing that His Majesty had safely returned to the south bank, Han Shizhong finally felt a great weight lifted from his heart.

"That's good...that's good."

South Bank Camp...

His Majesty is in a safe place not far away, yet it is as if we are separated by a layer of mist.

What is happening today will inevitably change many things.

And what unknown direction will these martial arts giants, and the emperor behind them who displays godlike martial prowess, lead the Song Dynasty?

……

Late at night, in the central command tent of the South Bank Camp.

The tent was brightly lit by candlelight, dispelling the deep darkness outside, but it could not dispel the heavy fog in Han Shizhong's heart.

A huge map of the Jianghuai region hangs to the side, with the daytime enemy and friendly forces' positions marked on it.

Han Shizhong, having removed his armor and dressed only in casual clothes, sat behind his desk, unconsciously holding a military tally in his hand. His gaze was not focused on the map or documents, but rather on the flickering candlelight, his thoughts churning.

Suddenly, footsteps sounded outside the tent. Han Shizhong immediately composed himself and sat up straight.

The curtain was lifted, and Lu Zuo walked in. He had changed into a set of black casual clothes, his face was calm, his eyes were clear, and his steps were unhurried.

"Your subject, Han Shizhong, pays his respects to Your Majesty!"

Han Shizhong quickly stood up, stepped forward, and was about to perform a grand salute.

"My dear minister, there's no need for such formalities. This is not the imperial court. Please be seated."

Lu Zuoxu helped him up and walked directly to the main seat to sit down.

Han Shizhong expressed his gratitude and sat on one side of a chair, his back straight, but his gaze involuntarily, with an undisguised curiosity, quietly observed the young emperor before him.

He was naturally familiar with this face, but seeing it again today, it felt utterly unfamiliar.

The calmness in his eyes seemed to contain a power capable of tearing apart a thousand armies.

Within that seemingly slender body lay a terrifying force capable of splitting stone and shattering monuments.

Is this really the official he once bid farewell to?

There was a moment of silence inside the tent, broken only by the occasional crackling of candle flames.

Han Shizhong took a deep breath and clasped his hands in a fist salute: "Your Majesty..."

"I have a question to ask you, and I humbly request Your Majesty's forgiveness if I have acted disrespectfully."

Lu Zuo looked up at him: "Do you want to ask, where did I get my martial arts skills from?"

Han Shizhong's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly lowered his head: "Your subject... dares not presume to know the will of Heaven."

"But...it's just what I saw during the day, it's really...it's really unbelievable."

"Although I have not known Your Majesty for very long, I do know that during Your Majesty's time as a prince, and even at the beginning of your reign, it seems that... I have not heard of Your Majesty being skilled in martial arts."

"What Chief Hong, Island Master Huang, and others said today, as well as the matter of the Jin Camp... I am utterly perplexed and deeply uneasy, and even more worried about Your Majesty's health..."

"Is there some hidden illness, or perhaps a strange encounter? There might be something amiss..."

Lu Zuo: "My skills were not acquired overnight."

"You may not believe it, but back when I was still the Prince of Kang, I had already secretly sought out renowned teachers and diligently studied under them."

"But at that time, the country was in turmoil, and I myself was walking on thin ice, so I dared not reveal the slightest bit of my true intentions."

Han Shizhong's heart skipped a beat. The Kangwang era?

That was indeed the most turbulent and forbearing period of His Majesty's life.

Even so, martial arts training requires years of accumulation, as well as natural talent and aptitude. How can one reach the level that even figures like Hong Qigong and Huang Yaoshi find astonishing in just a few years?

Lu Zuo continued, "As for why the progress is so rapid..."

"Perhaps I have gained a unique understanding of martial arts, which is close to 'entering the Tao through martial arts'."

"I can see the essence of any martial art in my eyes, and I can master it with ease."

Can you master it effortlessly, with just one practice session?

Han Shizhong was dumbfounded. This was beyond being described as a gifted talent; it was practically a legendary innate knowledge!

"Later, by chance, I obtained a protective divine skill from the Western Regions Tantric Buddhism, called the Dragon Elephant Prajna Skill."

"This skill takes a unique approach, not focusing on internal energy transformations, but rather on cultivating the physical body's qi and blood, tempering muscles, bones, and skin. Upon completion, one will be blessed with the immense strength of a dragon and an elephant."

"I have devoted myself to cultivation and have made some progress, which is why I am a little stronger than ordinary people."

"Dragon Elephant Prajna Skill"? The immense strength of a dragon and elephant?

Some minor success?

Is he slightly stronger than the average person?

Han Shizhong's mind flashed back to the snippets of conversation he had overheard from the martial arts masters earlier that day...

His palm strikes are like a dragon, unstoppable and overwhelming...

And that terrifying feat, estimated to be the single-handed defeat of over a thousand elite troops!

It's not just a little bit bigger.

This is clearly superhuman divine power, like the reincarnation of the Overlord or the resurrection of Li Cunxiao!

Han Shizhong let out a long breath and clasped his hands in a deep fist salute: "I see."

"Your Majesty is truly a genius, a divinely ordained hero!"

"Han Qing, in your opinion, how will the situation develop after this battle?"

Will the Jurchens give up so easily?

When the topic turned to matters of state, Han Shizhong's spirits lifted. He quickly composed himself, pondered for a moment, and then solemnly replied, "Your Majesty."

"Although the Jin army suffered heavy losses in this battle, with its commander-in-chief being beheaded, tens of thousands of soldiers lost, and morale collapsing, its national strength and military foundation were not greatly damaged."

"Although Wanyan Zongbi is dead, the Jin state may still have capable men within its ranks."

"They occupy our Central Plains and Hebei, with well-trained troops and ample supplies, and their strength still far surpasses that of our army."

"Your Majesty is incredibly brave, truly invincible, yet..."

He glanced cautiously at Lu Zuo, and seeing that the other party's expression was calm, he continued, "However, personal bravery can be used as a surprise weapon in the battle between two armies and the struggle for the fate of the nation."

"Even if one could capture enemy generals and flags, thus intimidating the enemy, it would be difficult to withstand the combined might of the entire nation for long, let alone..."

"We recovered our lost territories by force alone."

"However, Your Majesty's achievements in this battle are earth-shattering and enough to intimidate the Jin court!"

"Wanyan Zongbi was a pillar of the Jin Dynasty's southern expedition, and his troops were also elite."

"This crushing defeat, with the death of their commander, will undoubtedly shake the Jin court and the public, and calls for peace will surely rise. Moreover, in the face of this recent defeat, they need time to heal their wounds, redeploy their forces, and, more importantly, reassess the strength of our Great Song, especially..."

"Assess His Majesty."

"I predict that in the next five to ten years, even if the Jin Kingdom still faces border troubles, it will be absolutely incapable of organizing a full-scale invasion of the south with the ambition to destroy the country and cross the river."

"This battle bought at least ten years of breathing room and precious time of peace for the Jianghuai region and for the Song Dynasty!"

"ten years……"

A glint flashed in Lu Zuo's eyes; this judgment was roughly in line with his own estimation.

A decisive tactical victory secured a valuable strategic buffer period.

Time is what he needs most right now.

"Your Majesty, ten years is enough time to reorganize the army, heal the wounds, and build up national strength."

"At that time..."

Just then, a low but urgent report came from outside the tent: "General!"

"Someone is requesting an audience outside the commander's camp."

"He claims to be the Commander-in-Chief's secret envoy, with an extremely urgent matter requiring an immediate audience with the Commander!"

"Oh?"

Han Shizhong raised an eyebrow, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes.

Emissary?

"Bring him in."

"yes!"

A moment later, the tent flap was lifted again, and a travel-worn man, dressed in ordinary merchant clothes but with a tall and resolute figure, strode in.

He appeared ordinary, but his movements carried the crispness characteristic of a soldier. His sharp gaze swept across the tent, and he strode a few steps to Han Shizhong's desk, kneeling on one knee: "This humble general, Lei Li, greets the Commander-in-Chief!"

Upon seeing this person, Han Shizhong's eyes showed a hint of surprise: "Get up and speak!"

"How did things go?"

Lei Li stood up and reported: "Reporting to the Commander-in-Chief, this humble general was secretly ordered to infiltrate the puppet Qi regime. After many twists and turns, I finally found Lord Xin in Jinan Prefecture."

"Upon hearing the summons from the commander-in-chief and knowing it was the court's intention, despite his difficult circumstances, Xin Gong resolutely decided to move his entire family south."

"Having evaded the checks of the puppet Qi and Jin forces, we hid by day and traveled by night. We secretly arrived at the riverbank the day before yesterday, and today, taking advantage of the chaos of the battle, we were escorted by my trusted squad and have just arrived outside the camp!"

Upon hearing this, Han Shizhong's face lit up with joy, and he turned to Lu Zuo and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, the Duke Xin Zan you were tasked with finding has safely returned south."

Lu Zuo nodded slightly: "Since you've arrived, please come in and meet me."

"As you command!"

Han Shizhong instructed Lei Li: "Quickly invite Xin Zan and his family into the tent for an audience!"

"Remember, it was His Majesty himself who came here to instruct Xinzan to be cautious in his words and actions."

Lei Li shuddered, looking at the main seat in disbelief once more...

That's actually the current emperor?

He dared not delay and quickly clasped his hands in a fist salute: "This subordinate understands!"

.....

Before long, the sound of slightly hurried footsteps came from outside the tent.

The curtain was lifted again, and Lei Li went inside and stood to the side.

Immediately afterwards, an elderly man of about fifty years old, with a refined and scholarly appearance, wearing a worn scholar's robe and looking travel-worn, led in a boy who looked to be about ten years old.

Xin Zan's heart was pounding like a drum, filled with excitement, unease, and a sense of unreality, as if he were in a dream.

Ever since receiving the message that His Majesty had sent people to welcome him back to the country, it felt as if he were in a dream.

Xin Zan, a lowly official in the occupied territories who barely managed to secure a minor post under the puppet Qi regime, lived a life of constant caution and had no one to confide in, what merit or ability did he possess to alarm the imperial court far away in Jiangnan?

He had been filled with turmoil and unable to eat or sleep these past few days. The journey back south was certainly arduous, but the gratitude he felt for being remembered by the imperial court and the hope of seeing his homeland again sustained him through all difficulties.

Now, having just stepped into the Song army camp and barely caught his breath, he was told to have an audience immediately, and the one who summoned him was none other than the young emperor who had brought him back from the north!

This is an extraordinary privilege I could never have dreamed of!

Suppressing the overwhelming excitement and fear that threatened to burst from his chest, Xin Zan immediately pulled his grandson to kneel down upon entering the tent, touching their foreheads to the ground:

"Your Majesty, I, Xin Zan, a guilty subject, along with my young grandson Qi Ji, pay my respects!"

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

"This humble subject, Xin Qiji, kowtows to Your Majesty."

Xinzan lay on the ground, his mind a jumble of emotions.

How will His Majesty view me, someone who once served as an official in the puppet state of Qi?

"Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty!"

Xin Zan thanked him repeatedly, sat down on the edge of the chair, pulled his grandson Xin Qiyu closer to him, and stood respectfully with his head bowed.

Lu Zuo looked at Xin Zan, who was standing below him with a stiff expression, and said, "Xin Zan, you have lived in the north for a long time and experienced the puppet Qi regime. You must have a personal understanding of the internal affairs of the Jin invaders and the people's conditions in the north."

"Now that you have returned to your homeland, I would like to hear your views."

"In your opinion, how should our Great Song Dynasty defend itself against the Jin Dynasty, manage the Jianghuai region, and even the lost territories that may be recovered in the future?"

"What are the key tasks in governing a local area?"

Upon hearing this, Xin Zan's spirits lifted. He knew this was a test from His Majesty, and also an opportunity for him to demonstrate his knowledge and repay the kindness shown to him.

He took a deep breath, paused briefly to gather his thoughts, and then cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "Your Majesty has inquired; how dare this humble subject not speak frankly?"

"Although the Jurchens were fierce for a time, their country was newly established and their foundation was not solid. There are several flaws that can be observed."

"Firstly, although the Meng'an-Muke system made their military strength suddenly strong, the Jurchen people themselves were few in number. To rule over the vast Han territory and many tribes, they relied entirely on enfeoffment and garrisoning, and used military force to govern."

"Over time, local military leaders will easily form separatist regimes, making it impossible for the central government to exert its influence."

"Moreover, it treated the Han people, Khitans, Bohais and other ethnic groups differently and oppressed them deeply. The people's hearts were not with them, and it was like building a tower on sand."

"Secondly, the Jurchens, while initially accustomed to frugality, have gradually become decadent, especially the nobles who have migrated to the Central Plains, who are indulging in pleasure and have neglected military preparedness."

"Their military system appears to be rigorous, but in reality it relies on the stimulation of plunder. If the war goes poorly and they fail to plunder, their morale is easily low. This defeat is a good example of this."

"Therefore, I believe that the key to resisting the Jin state lies in 'strengthening the foundation' and 'seizing opportunities'."

"Your Majesty has already begun to strengthen the foundation."

"To rectify the court, appoint virtuous and capable officials, and boost morale, this is one aspect."

"We trained the Jianghuai naval forces and the various border armies, relying on the natural barrier of the Yangtze River and the geographical advantage of the water network to build a deep defensive line, which prevented the Jin cavalry from maneuvering. This is the second point."

"Encourage farming and warfare, appease displaced people, restore production in Huainan and Jingxiang, and stockpile grain and military supplies so that the front lines have no worries about the rear. These are the three points."

"These three are the foundation. If the foundation is solid, even if the Jin invaders have 100,000 iron cavalry, they will find it difficult to cross the natural barrier."

Although Xin Zan's words were occasionally interrupted due to his excitement, they were clear and logical, and his insights were practical. They were clearly the result of many years of observation and reflection, and not just empty talk.

Han Shizhong listened from the side and couldn't help but nod slightly, feeling that the old man did indeed have some practical insights.

Lu Zuo listened attentively, even though these suggestions did not deviate from the general cognitive framework of insightful people in this era.

However, based on his personal experience, the details are quite specific, especially regarding the internal conflicts in the north and the governance strategies after the royal army marched north, which have their value.

Just as he was about to offer some words of encouragement and inquire about more details, the young Xin Qiji, who had been standing quietly beside Xin Zan, interjected:

"What my grandfather said is all true."

"In my opinion, although the Jin Dynasty is strong, it is ultimately a barbarian state that rose suddenly. Its rise was rapid, and its fall was also sudden."

"They don't understand governance; they only know how to kill and plunder. Even if they occupy many of our territories for a time, they will eventually fall into internal strife or be driven away by something even more powerful."